This study will investigate whether the simplified regimen of a once daily fixed dose combination of Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [DF]) will be associated with a reduced rate of adverse events, seen with long term use of antiretrovirals, as well as improved adherence compared to a twice daily fixed dose combination of Combivir.

A Phase 3, Open Label, Randomised, Parallel Group Study to Compare the Effect on Prevention and Resolution of Treatment Related Adverse Events of a Simplified, Once Daily Regimen of a Fixed Dose Combination Tablet of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir DF Versus Twice Daily co-Formulated Zidovudine and Lamivudine (Combivir®) or Zidovudine and Lamivudine, in Virologically Suppressed, HIV Infected Patients Taking Efavirenz

Adverse events (AEs): AEs will be coded and the coded terms will be used to summarize the count of patients with any event, intensity of each event (highest intensity will be used if an event is reported more than once by a patient) and relationship to:

Other lab tests: results at baseline and changes from baseline

Estimated Enrollment:

220

Study Start Date:

October 2004

Study Completion Date:

October 2007

Primary Completion Date:

June 2007 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)

Detailed Description:

The success of HAART is largely dependant on an individual's ability to adhere strictly to an antiretroviral regimen. Regimen characteristics that affect adherence include dosing frequency and pill burden. Several studies have shown improved adherence with lower pill burden and a meta-analysis of the virological outcome in relation to pill burden has shown a significant correlation between lower pill burden and better virological outcome. A systematic review of studies across a range of medical specialties demonstrated that once daily therapy improves adherence relative to more frequent dosing although statistical significance was not demonstrated relative to twice daily regimens.

Patients requiring a lipid lowering agent must be established on a stable dose/frequency for at least 12 weeks prior to Baseline and be expected to continue on stable dose/frequency for the duration of the study.

Willingness to use effective contraception (such as barrier or coil methods) by both males and females while on study treatment and for 30 days following study drug completion.

The ability to understand and sign a written informed consent form, which must be obtained prior to initiation of study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

Pregnant or lactating female.

History of AZT monotherapy.

Use of anabolic steroids, with the exception of testosterone for documented hypogonadism, within 90 days prior to the Baseline visit.

Documented parvovirus infection.

Use of erythropoietin within the last six weeks.

Patients who have had a blood transfusion in the last six weeks.

Karnofsky score < 50.

Prior history of significant renal disease.

Prior history of osteopenia/osteoporosis.

Creatinine clearance < 60mL/min.

AST/ALT > 5 x upper limits of normal (ULN).

Previous adefovir dipivoxil or cidofovir therapy.

Known history of resistance (including primary resistance) to any of the study medications - tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), emtricitabine (FTC), AZT, 3TC, or EFV.

Patients receiving ongoing therapy with any of the following (administration of any of the following medications must be discontinued at least 30 days prior to the Baseline visit and for the duration of the study period):

Nephrotoxic agents

Probenecid

Systemic chemotherapeutic agents (i.e. cancer treatment medications)

Systemic corticosteroids

Interleukin 2 (IL 2)

Drugs that interact with efavirenz

Dihydroergotamine

Ergotamine

Midazolam

Triazolam

Cisapride

Rifampin

Ergonovine

Methylergonovine

Patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the study medications or excipients.

Patients who are currently taking part in any other clinical trial or have taken part in a clinical trial of a new chemical entity within 1 month prior to Screening.

Any other clinical condition or prior therapy that, in the opinion of the investigator, would make the patient unsuitable for the study or unable to comply with the dosing requirements.

Patients with cancer (except basal cell carcinoma).

Co-infection with hepatitis B virus

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00323544